Compare the Features and Benefits of United℠ Explorer Card and
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

The United Explorer card is one of the best credit cards out there for occasional United flyers. That’s because you’ll get useful perks, such as free first checked bags, priority boarding privileges, a 25% food and beverage discount on board United operated flights, and even get a taste of airport lounge access with two anniversary United Club passes. Plus. the annual fee is waived the first year, then just $95 thereafter.

Consider this scenario: Even if you only fly United a couple of times per year, the Explorer Card is worth it for the free checked bag benefit alone. Keep in mind, this applies to the primary card holder and one companion on the same reservation, as long as you use the card to pay for your ticket. At $40 for one checked bag, and $160 for a round-trip flight for two people, it’s easy to get value that exceeds the card’s annual fee.

In addition to the sign-up bonus earned after account opening, the United Explorer card earns a decent 2X miles on United Airlines purchases, 2X miles on dining, including eligible delivery services, 2X miles on hotel stays when booked with the hotel and 1x miles on all other purchases. Also, the card helps to fast track your United elite status goals with 1 PQP earned for every $20 you spend on purchases with your Explorer Card (up to 1,000 PQPs in a calendar year). These PQPs can be applied toward your Premier status qualification — up to the Premier 1K level.

If you’re in need of extra miles besides flying on United flights, keep in mind that Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to the United Mileage Plus program at a 1:1 ratio to help you top up your miles balance.

While the United Explorer card is a fantastic option for the occasional United flyer, those that travel more often with the airline might want to consider other options, including United’s other, more premium, credit cards.

In more simple terms, the Explorer card fits the “occasional United flyer” once or twice per year mold, while the $250-per-year United Quest fits the “semi-frequent United flyer.” Then, there’s the United Club Infinite Card for the “frequent United flyer.” If you’re looking for a United Club membership and need more than just two one-time passes, you’ll probably be better off with the United Club Infinite Card, which comes with a full United Club membership but also charges the highest annual fee of the United cards at $525.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex card sits squarely between the ultra-premium (Reserve) and base-level annual-fee (Gold) Delta cards. While the $350 annual fee is still a sizable sum to consider, there’s a mile-long list of benefits for Delta loyalists.

With the Delta Platinum card, it’s not only easy to rack up thousands of SkyMiles from card spend alone, but you could spend your way to the finish line of Medallion status.

You’ll earn 3x bonus miles on Delta purchases and hotel bookings; 2x miles at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets; and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases.

For those that need a hand with reaching the next Delta Medallion® elite status level, this card earns 1 MQD (Medallion Qualifying Dollars) for every $20 spent on eligible purchases with your Card plus $2,500 MQDs each year – just for holding the card!

With your growing balance of Delta SkyMiles, you can book Delta award flights — and enjoy a 15% discount for being a cardholder. Beyond earning and redeeming miles, there are great ways to save money through the a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every 4.5 years, a first free checked bag on Delta flights, cell phone protection, trip coverage, and purchase protections.

Another key benefit that may move the needle for you is the annual roundtrip companion certificate, good for domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights in the Main Cabin. You’ll receive this reward after paying your card’s annual fee every account anniversary (after account opening). This allows you to book a second flight for a friend or family member for the cost of government imposed taxes and fees. Pick your route wisely, as you can easily save hundreds of dollars (and pay for the $350 annual fee) with the certificate alone. (Terms apply.)

And you’ll also receive up to $390 in statement credits each year with up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card, up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (Enrollment Required) and up to $150 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. (Terms apply)

In summary, if you like flying Delta but don’t think you can justify the cost of the higher annual fee for the Reserve level card, the Delta Platinum card may be the perfect fit for your travel needs.

Rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card